PHE Erection Manual

Plate Heat Exchangers
General Operation Manual
Process Equipment Division

GEA Ecoflex
Plate Heat Exchanger
General operating instructions
Version: 1.3, 2006-09-08
Englisch
1
General operating instructions 1.3 | 2006-09-08
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Contents
Contents
1 Preface ............................................................................................................... 5
2 Safety at the plate heat exchanger ........................................................... 6

2.1 General safety ........................................................................................... 6
2.2 Incorrect operating conditions ............................................................... 7
2.3 Permitted operators ................................................................................. 7
2.4 Residual dangers ...................................................................................... 8
3 Operating instructions .............................................................................. 10

3.1 Operating instructions ........................................................................... 10
3.1.1 User notes .................................................................................... 10
3.1.2 Safety notes in the text .............................................................. 11
4 Managers obligations ............................................................................... 12
5 Functional description ............................................................................... 14
6 Intended purpose ........................................................................................ 15
7 Overview and description ........................................................................ 16

7.1 Basic structure ......................................................................................... 16
7.2 Identification ........................................................................................... 17
7.3 Frames ...................................................................................................... 19
7.4 Heat exchanger plates ............................................................................ 21
7.4.1 Chevron pattern ......................................................................... 21
7.4.2 Free Flow design ........................................................................ 22
7.4.3 Plate evaporator design ............................................................ 22
7.5 Gaskets ..................................................................................................... 23
8 Delivery, installation, transport, disposal .......................................... 25

8.1 Delivery.................................................................................................... 26
8.2 Installation ............................................................................................... 27
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Contents
8.3 Transport ................................................................................................. 31

8.3.1 Suspended transport with sling fastening
at the carrying beam and shackles on the fixed plate .......... 31
8.3.2 Suspended transport on ring bolts ......................................... 32
8.3.3 Suspended transport with sling fastening
on the clamping part ................................................................. 33
8.4 Installation .............................................................................................. 34
8.4.1 Space requirements ................................................................... 34
8.4.2 Pipe assembly............................................................................. 35
8.5 Disposal ................................................................................................... 35
9 Commissioning and decommissioning, operation ......................... 36

9.1 Start-up .................................................................................................... 37
9.2 Operation ................................................................................................ 38
9.3 Decommissioning .................................................................................. 39
9.3.1 Short-term shutdown ................................................................ 39
9.3.2 Long-term shutdown ................................................................ 40
10 Maintenance and repair ............................................................................ 41

10.1 Preparatory precautions ....................................................................... 41
10.2 Opening the plate heat exchanger and removing the plates ........... 46
10.2.1 Opening plate heat exchangers with a CD frame ................. 46
10.2.2 Opening plate heat exchangers with a B frame .................... 49
10.2.3 Removing the heat exchanger plates ...................................... 50
10.3 Fitting the plates and closing the plate heat exchanger ................... 51
10.4 Cleaning the plate heat exchanger ...................................................... 54
10.4.1 Cleaning the plates of the closed plate heat exchanger ....... 54
10.4.2 Cleaning the plates of the opened plate heat exchanger ..... 57
10.5 Replacing the gaskets ............................................................................ 59
10.6 Replacing the frame seals ..................................................................... 60
10.7 Maintaining the frame ........................................................................... 60
11 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 61
11.1 Output deficit ......................................................................................... 61
11.2 Leakages .................................................................................................. 62
12 Technical terms ............................................................................................ 64
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Preface
1 Preface
With GEA Ecoflex you use the technical know how of one of the worldwide
leading manufacturers of plate heat exchangers (PHE).
We would like to make the handling of the plate heat exchanger as safe and
simple as possible. For this reason, these comprehensive operating instruc-
tions serve as your personal adviser who explains everything understand-
ably and clearly: structure, function, installation, operation, maintenance,
troubleshooting, transport and repair.
We especially devote ourselves to the subject of safety, so that all possible

dangers or damage can be avoided from the start. For that reason alone, all
employees who deal with the plate heat exchanger should be able to refer to
these important operating instructions at all times.
In the concise table of contents you will quickly find what you are looking
for. If not, look in the index with page references. In the same way all tech-
nical terms are informatively explained. After all, no questions should
remain open, and in the case they do, your GEA Ecoflex agent or the central
service department is glad to assist you further.
Additional operating instructions for special applications supplement these

general operating instructions.
With this in mind, we wish you a trouble-free operation with GEA Ecoflex
plate heat exchangers.
GEA Ecoflex GmbH

Service department
Karl-Schiller-Str. 1-3
D-31157 Sarstedt
Phone: +49 (0) 5066 / 6 01 - 3 33
Telefax: +49 (0) 5066 / 6 01 - 1 05
Internet: http://www.gea-ecoflex.com
e-Mail: service@gea-ecoflex.de
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Safety at the plate heat exchanger
2 Safety at the plate heat exchanger
2.1 General safety

This chapter advises you on general precautions for the proper handling of
the plate heat exchanger and on the dangers the user may encounter.
If the plate heat exchanger is employed improperly or not according to the

intended purpose, or if the safety notes are not observed, dangers to persons
and property can arise.
NOTE
Read this chapter attentively. It contains important information and obliga-
tions. It concerns your health and the trouble-free operation of the plate heat
exchanger.
CAUTION
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of the plate heat
exchanger.
The following points must be observed:
Always adhere to the general, national, and operational safety regula-
tions, for example, wear protective glasses, close-fitting protective
clothing, and safety shoes.
Always adhere to the safety instructions in the individual chapters of
these operating instructions.
The plate heat exchanger may only be operated in perfect condition.
Each change on the plate heat exchanger must be immediately reported
to the nearest person responsible available.
Before beginning work with the plate heat exchanger, operators must
familiarise themselves with the possible dangers.
Before each start of the plate heat exchanger, ensure that all parts of the
device are in perfect condition and function correctly.
6
2.2 Incorrect operating conditions

Operation of the plate heat exchanger is not permitted if:
substantial faults or damage occurs,
the maintenance is not performed regularly,
the permissible operating conditions (including internal pressure,
temperature, media, external loads) are exceeded.
NOTE
GEA Ecoflex accepts no liability for damage caused by incorrect operating
conditions.
2.3 Permitted operators

For operation of the plate heat exchanger, everyone has to
be appropriately trained for the task to be performed,
be familiar with the work safety and accident prevention regulations,
be instructed in the handling of the plate heat exchanger and
have read and understood these operating instructions.
Persons who are responsible for the set-up, assembly, start-up, maintenance
or disassembly of the plate heat exchanger must have the knowledge
required.
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2.4 Residual dangers

Residual dangers can never be fully excluded. You can only prevent these
dangers by appropriate behaviour.
CAUTION
Danger of injury!
Heat exchanger plates:
The thin heat exchanger plates are sharp-edged. When handling heat
exchanger plates, always wear suitable protective gloves.
External of the plate heat exchanger:
The burr, threads or similar present a risk of injury. Always wear suit-
able protective gloves when handling the outside of the plate heat
exchanger.
The plate heat exchanger may topple over:

All plate heat exchangers that are standing and not fixed present the risk
of toppling over. This in particular applies to the NT50M, NT50X,
NT100X and VT10 plate heat exchangers. Always secure the upright
plate heat exchanger against toppling by preferably fixing it securely to
the ground.
8
Opening the plate heat exchanger:

Before opening the plate heat exchanger, ensure that it is unpressurised
and empty. When opening the plate heat exchanger, always ensure that
the heat exchanger plates do not unintendedly loosen from the frame
and tip over, see "Opening the plate heat exchanger and removing the
plates" (page 46). Also ensure that the pressure plate is secured against
unintended slippage (e.g. on ships).
Transporting the plate heat exchanger:

Before transporting the plate heat exchanger, always ensure that the
hoisting gear is of sufficient dimensions and securely fixed. Never step
underneath suspended loads.
Hazardous flow media:

Hazardous flow media present dangers of chemical burns, burning or
poisoning. Always wear suitable protective clothing when working on
the plate heat exchanger with hazardous flow media.
9
Operating instructions
3 Operating instructions
3.1 Operating instructions

These operating instructions are the instructions of the manufacturer for
operators of plate heat exchangers and for all persons who are responsible
for the set-up, operation, maintenance and repair of the device.
These operating instructions are generally applicable to all bolted/gasketted

(not welded) plate heat exchangers manufactured and supplied by
GEA Ecoflex.
3.1.1 User notes
Drawings and figures

The drawings in these operating instructions are exemplary. For reasons of
clarity, some drawings have been greatly simplified. The actual details
depend on the individually delivered plate heat exchanger. You find
diagrams and dimensions of the delivered plate heat exchanger in the tech-
nical documentation supplied.
Note for the operator of the plate heat exchanger

The operator of the plate heat exchanger is the person who is in charge of the
operation of the device.
Note for the technician who sets up the plate heat exchanger
These operating instructions contain no details about special tools that are
needed for the setting up and operating the plate heat exchanger.
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Operating instructions
3.1.2 Safety notes in the text

In these operating instructions, the following symbols are used in order to
draw your attention to dangers when handling the plate heat exchanger or
provide you with information about handling the plate heat exchanger:
CAUTION
This symbol means danger to the life and health of persons.
The following text explains the type of danger and its effects and provides
instructions for averting the danger.
Not adhering to the instructions can have health effects up to and
including death.
DANGER
This symbol means danger for the plate heat exchanger, for parts, or for its
environment.
The following text explains the type of danger and its effects and provides
instructions for averting the danger.
Not adhering to the instructions can cause substantial damage to the
plate heat exchanger.
NOTE
This symbol appears above paragraphs that provide you with useful or
important notes for the correct handling of the plate heat exchanger. This
information helps you to avoid problems and makes it easier to handle the
11
Managers obligations
4 Managers obligations
CAUTION
Danger of injury!
In the case of hazardous media (acids or similar media), high pressures and
high/low temperatures in the plate heat exchanger, there is a danger of
injury during maintenance or in the case of leakages.
In this case you must be sure to provide a splash protector.
This splash protector may only be removed when the plate heat
exchanger reaches room pressure and room temperature, or is empty.
As manager of the plate heat exchanger you must ensure that each operator
who is responsible for the set-up, operation, maintenance or repair of the
plate heat exchanger has read and understood, from beginning to end, the
parts of the operating instructions important for the job.
The plate heat exchanger is built according to state-of-the-art technology and

is reliable in service. Nevertheless the plate heat exchanger may present
dangers or may be damaged if you do not observe the following instruc-
tions:
These operating instructions must always be accessible to the operators
entrusted to work on the plate heat exchanger.
Only operators who are instructed in handling the plate heat exchanger
and the basic work safety and accident prevention regulations may work
on the plate heat exchanger. For safety reasons it is forbidden for other
persons to be in the area of the plate heat exchanger.
The safety-conscious operating by the operators has to be checked regu-
larly.
As manager you must ensure that:
the plate heat exchanger remains in functional order.
no premature wear of specific parts of the plate heat exchanger results

from unfavourable ambient conditions.
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Managers obligations
Unfavourable ambient conditions, for instance for

Sealing Aggressive gases and/or aggressive aerosols in the
materials: surrounding air
Effects of UV radiation (e.g. sunlight)
Extreme ambient temperatures
Metallic compo- Aggressive gases and/or aggressive aerosols in the
nents: surrounding air
Humidity
all maintenance/inspections are carried out in regular intervals.

no changes or modifications are carried out on the plate heat exchanger
without permission of the manufacturer of the plate heat exchanger.
A change can lead to the expiration of the operating permit.
all laws and regulations even if they are not explicitly mentioned here
valid for the plate heat exchanger as well as the valid accident preven-
tion regulations are observed.
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Functional description
5 Functional description
A series of contoured plates with transfer ports forms a pack of flow chan-
nels in the plate heat exchanger. The heat exchange media flow through
these flow channels in alternate channels.
Usually single-pass plate heat exchangers are used. In the case of single-pass
plate heat exchangers, all feed and return pipes are connected to the fixed
frame plate, i. e. on one side.
Close temperature differences between the media may demand the use of
multi-pass plate heat exchangers. In the case of multi-pass plate heat
exchangers, the connection pipes are placed at the fixed frame plate and at
the pressure plate, i. e. on both sides.
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Intended purpose
6 Intended purpose
This plate heat exchanger has been specially designed and manufactured for
your specified operating conditions concerning pressure, temperature, flow
rates, and type and composition of the flow media.
If a change in the specified operating conditions becomes necessary,

GEA Ecoflex must be consulted. The plate heat exchanger may only be oper-
ated under new operating conditions after GEA Ecoflex has examined,
approved, and, as the case may be, has altered the documentation of the
Intended use includes:

adhering to the valid national and international laws, decrees, regula-
tions, directives and other rules for the installation site .
following all safety instructions of these operating instructions.
adhering to regular inspection and maintenance work.
NOTE
GEA Ecoflex accepts no liability for damage caused by deviations from the
specified operating conditions for the plate heat exchanger.
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Overview and description
7 Overview and description
7.1 Basic structure

The following figure represents the basic structure of a plate heat exchanger.
The actual design depends on the application.
4
1
5
2
6
3 7
No. Component
1 Carrying beam
2 Pipe connections
3 Fixed plate
4 Support column
5 Pressure plate
6 Heat exchanger plates
7 Lower guiding bar
8 Gaskets
9 Clamping part
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The plate pack consists of contoured heat exchanger plates (1) and the corre-
sponding gaskets (2) of varying number and arrangement.
7.2 Identification
Each GEA Ecoflex plate heat exchanger is provided with a nameplate. It is
fastened to the outside of the fixed frame plate of the plate heat exchanger.
Here you'll find information on:
Plate heat exchanger type
Serial no.
Permissible pressures [bar g]
Permissible temperatures [ C]
Test pressure [bar g]
Volume [L]
Net weight, year of manufacture
Compression dimensions:
"a max." / "a min." [mm]
Additional details [project specific]
17
Examples for the nameplate design in conformity with the European Direc-
tive on Pressure Equipment 97/23/EC.
No. Component
1 Plate heat exchanger is exempt from CE-labelling requirements
2 Plate heat exchanger is subject to CE-labelling requirements
Each plate heat exchanger is supplied with a dimension sheet or, alterna-
tively, an assembly drawing, and a flow diagram.
The dimension sheet or the assembly drawing shows the external dimen-
sions as well as details of the type, size and position of the pipe connections.
The flow diagram shows the plate arrangement and type of plate heat
exchanger, the plate material of the plate heat exchanger, the plate thickness
as well as the sealing material and the part numbers.
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7.3 Frames
GEA Ecoflex plate heat exchangers are available in different application-
specific frame designs. There are two basic designs, B and CD. The design B
is especially employed for longer plate packs. Variants of this design addi-
tionally are labelled with the identification codes A, C, L and S.
B CD
Special stainless steel designs with intermediate elements for separating the
individual compartments are employed for the foodstuff and pharmaceu-
tical industries.
The frames made of structural steel are given a weather-protective coating.

The clamp screws and screw nuts are made of high-strength alloy steels and
can be zinc-plated.
The pipe connections can be attached to the fixed plate, to the pressure plate,
and possibly to intermediate elements.
The pipe connections on the fixed and pressure plate are positioned as
follows:
From an outside position looking onto the fixed plate, the connections
1F-4F are numbered consecutively anticlockwise. (1)
From an outside position looking onto the pressure plate, the connec-
tions 1L-4L are numbered consecutively clockwise. (2)
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1 2
In order to fulfil customer-specific requirements, different connection types

are available.
Partly these frames are equipped with height adjustable transport feet. In
this case, the feet are not anchored to the ground. Beneath the calotte feet
there are thrust plates. These thrust plates are not part of the standard equip-
ment.
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7.4 Heat exchanger plates
NOTE
The selection of the heat exchanger plate material is determined by
customer-specific operating conditions (including pressure, temperature,
media, operating mode). In the case of some specific applications a material
removal at the heat exchanger plates by the media used is a typical process.
This can lead to a malfunction of the heat exchanger plates and to a mixing
of the media.
The heat exchanger plates and gaskets are basic components in the plate heat
exchanger. GEA Ecoflex differentiates the following product groups:
Chevron pattern
Free Flow design
Plate evaporator design
7.4.1 Chevron pattern

This product group includes the heat exchanger plates of the VARITHERM
(VT), NT series, and LASER-welded cassettes (LWC).
these heat exchanger plates have horizontal and vertical stamping structures
that are respectively used individually or combined. They are used for clean
media with a low viscosity and also for high working pressures.
The gaskets of this product group can be fixed with adhesive. Additionally,
many plate types allow adhesive-free fixing (LocIn, EcoLoc).
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7.4.2 Free Flow design

This includes the heat exchanger plates of the FA, NF series and the N40
plate.
The special feature of this product group is the unrestricted broad flow cross
section between the heat exchanger plates. Highly viscose media or media
containing solids require the use of this product group.
The gaskets of this product group are fixed with adhesive. The plate type
N40 allows adhesive-free fixing (LocIn).
7.4.3 Plate evaporator design

The heat exchanger plates of the series CT (Concitherm) form this product
group.
Liquids are concentrated by evaporation using these plates ("evaporator").
The gaskets are fixed with adhesive. The plate type CT187 allows adhesive-
free fixing (LocIn). The plate type CT193 consists of LASER welded cassettes.
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7.5 Gaskets
CAUTION
Damage to persons and property!
The use of inadmissible pressures, temperatures and media can lead to an
immediate failure of the gaskets and a grave endangerment of persons and
the surroundings.
Therefore, never exceed the permissible operating parameters.
WARNING
Leakage!
The gaskets are wearing parts and sensitive to chemical, thermal and
mechanical damage. The selection of the sealing frame material and its prop-
erties is effected on the basis of customised specifications (pressure, temper-
ature, media).
Unintended use can lead to a reduction of the service life. Elastomer
gaskets are always subject to the ageing process (e.g. embrittlement).
There are two basic groups of gaskets:

Gaskets made of elastomers, available in different materials and design
types (e.g. 2-eye gaskets and 4-eye start and/or end gaskets). The gaskets
in principle can be fixed with adhesive, also often without adhesive
(LocIn, EcoLoc).
Gaskets made of mineral fibres ("hard gaskets"). They are principally
fixed with adhesive. In contrast to elastomer gaskets, these gaskets of
mineral fibre cannot compensate temperature load changes (e.g. start-up
and shut-down operation). Therefore, leakages may occur during these
operating phases.
23
All gaskets are designed to enable separating both media from each other at
the transfer ports by means of a double-gasket guidance system. The thus
formed leakage cavity in the case of leakages in this area has the function to
dissipate the leakage fluid to the outside via gaps in the gasket webs
(leakage grooves), and thus make leakages identifiable immediately.
The materials of the gaskets are clearly marked by coded colours. The
storage of the gaskets must be carried out appropriately.
Never exceed the permissible parameters.
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Delivery, installation, transport, disposal
8 Delivery, installation, transport, disposal
CAUTION
Damage to persons and property!
Improper and careless handling of the plate heat exchanger can lead to
danger to persons and property.
The plate heat exchanger may never be lifted underneath the plate pack,
at the connections or at the tightening bolts.
25
8.1 Delivery
The fully assembled plate heat exchanger is packed and delivered either
lying on its side or upright, depending on the frame type.
If it is delivered lying on its side, the plate heat exchanger is anchored by the
back of the fixed plate to solid planks. A forklift truck can pick the plate heat
exchanger up from beneath the planks and transport it.
The plate heat exchanger that is packed upright and to be transported

upright is top heavy. It is bolted on timber planks in a manner that is safe for
transport and, according to the section "Transport" (page 31), has to be
unloaded and transported when it is floating. In no case may the device be
lifted under the heat exchanger plate pack because this inevitably leads to a
damaging of the plate pack.
In the BC frame, the height-adjustable transport feet replace the ball feet. The
transport feet can be found as an extra item to the plate heat exchanger.
Individual parts of the plate heat exchanger are packaged on pallets and in
appropriate cardboard boxes on pallets. Upon request, we will use special
air freight, container and wood packages. All packaging materials used
comply with EU packaging ordinance. The wood packaging materials are
designed in accordance with IPPC standard and are labelled accordingly.
The disposal of the packaging material is the sole responsibility of the
customer.
NOTE
If you notice damage to an item at delivery in spite of careful packaging,
please be sure to note the extent and type of the damage in the transport
documents and have it receipted by the supplier. Please take a photograph
of the damage and report it to us immediately. We need your notification of
claim within the legally stipulated period of time, together with the original
freight receipt and with receipted reservation.
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8.2 Installation
WARNING
Danger to life!
When installing the plate heat exchanger, there always is the risk of
toppling. All plate heat exchangers that are standing and not fixed present
the risk of toppling over. Always ensure that:
the hoisting gear are of sufficient dimensions,
the hoisting gear cannot come loose or slide off,
no swing movements to the side result when lifting the plate heat
exchanger,
the floor at the installation site is sufficiently large, level and able to
support the load.
all plate heat exchangers, in particular the NT50M, NT50X, NT100X and
VT10 plate heat exchangers immediately after the installation are prefer-
ably fixed to the ground in a secure manner. These plate heat exchangers
can topple over by a relatively small force effect.
DANGER
Damage on the plate heat exchanger!
The connecting pieces can bend or crack.
Attach the hoisting gear (slings) only as in the following.
When attaching the hoisting gear (slings), make sure that they are firmly
seated.
Never use a chain or a steel rope, but only slings.
27
Carry out the following work steps:

1. Remove all of the fastening screws and elements from the plate heat
exchanger and from the pallet.
2. Attach a sling to the upper tightening nut on each side of the plate heat
exchanger.
Do not use steel ropes or chains!
If the clamping nuts for applying the round sling are not accessible,
slightly tilt the plate heat exchanger by using an additional round sling.
In doing this, always place the round sling between two clamping nuts.
28
Then attach the slings around the top tightening nuts.
3. Lift the plate heat exchanger slowly from the pallet over its centre of
gravity.
29
4. Slowly lower the plate heat exchanger on the edge of the fixed plate or
on the feet of the plate heat exchanger. Align the plate heat exchanger
and bring it to its final position at the installation site.
5. Remove the slings and other aids.
6. Afterwards fix the plate heat exchanger firmly to the ground.
5 The plate heat exchanger is installed.
30
8.3 Transport
WARNING
Danger to life! Damage of the plate heat exchanger!
Before transporting the plate heat exchanger, always ensure that:
the hoisting gear are of sufficient dimensions,
no swing movements to the side result when lifting the plate heat
exchanger,
a sufficient safety distance is kept by the operating personnel,
support the load.
particularly the NT50M, NT50X, NT100X and VT10 plate heat
exchangers are only transported upright if they are fixedly screwed to
the transport equipment.
The suspended transport always starts out from an upright position of the
8.3.1 Suspended transport with sling fastening at the

carrying beam and shackles on the fixed plate

1. Attach two suitable shackles in both holes intended for that purpose on
the upper side of the fixed plate.
2. Attach a sufficiently long sling to the carrying beam directly behind the
pressure plate and to both shackles.
31
3. Slowly lift the plate heat exchanger.
5 The plate heat exchanger now can be transported.
8.3.2 Suspended transport on ring bolts

1. Attach the hoisting gear to both transport eyes on the top side of the
carrying beam.
2. Slowly lift the plate heat exchanger.
5 The plate heat exchanger now can be transported.

32
8.3.3 Suspended transport with sling fastening on

the clamping part
Use this transport method only when the above-described fastening possibil-
ities are not available.

1. Attach a sling around the top tightening bolts on each side of the plate
heat exchanger.
2. Slowly tilt the plate heat exchanger until it reaches a hanging position.
The plate heat exchanger now can be transported.
33
8.4 Installation
WARNING
Danger to life!
When installing the plate heat exchanger, there always is the risk of
toppling. All plate heat exchangers that are standing and not fixed present
the risk of toppling over. Always ensure that:
the hoisting gear is sufficiently dimensioned,
a sufficient safety distance is kept by the operator,
support the load.
all plate heat exchangers, in particular the NT50M, NT50X, NT100X and
VT10 plate heat exchangers immediately after the installation are prefer-
ably fixed to the ground in a secure manner. These plate heat exchangers
can topple over by a relatively small force effect.
In case of outdoor installation, take precautions against freezing the flow

media in the plate heat exchanger, if necessary.
8.4.1 Space requirements

Provide a sufficient free space around the plate heat exchanger. This facili-
tates access to the plate heat exchanger and necessary service tasks (e.g.
replacing individual plates, compressing the plate pack).
The values for the necessary space given in the adjacent figure are guide
values and are recommended by GEA Ecoflex. You provide an adequate
access to the plate heat exchanger.
34
8.4.2 Pipe assembly

The GEA Ecoflex plate heat exchangers are provided with different connec-
tion types according to the purpose. Pay attention to the following points
during pipe assembly:
DANGER
Damage on the pipe connections and on the plate heat exchanger!
By request, you can obtain an overview of the admissible forces and
moments for the plate heat exchanger.
Make sure that no forces, moments, or vibrations that are too high are
transferred via the pipes onto the connections of the plate heat
exchanger.
NOTE
In order to avoid clogging problems during commissioning the plate heat
exchanger, GEA Ecoflex strongly recommends to use filters or bypasses for
the first flushing of the overall pipe system.
8.5 Disposal
As a customer, you are responsible for the disposal of the packing materials.
On request, GEA Ecoflex takes over the disposal of the plate heat exchanger.
For the cost of labour, the plate heat exchanger is disassembled, transported
away and professionally disposed.
NOTE
If the plate heat exchanger or its parts are contaminated, GEA Ecoflex cannot
take over the disposal. In this case, the disposal of the plate heat exchanger is
the managers obligation.
35
Commissioning and decommissioning, operation
9 Commissioning and decommissioning,

operation
CAUTION
Danger of injury!
Hazardous flow media (corrosive, poisonous, flammable, explosive etc.)
present dangers of chemical burns and burning.
Inform yourself beforehand which flow media are used and make sure
that a protective covering is on hand.
DANGER
Environmental damage! Damage on the plate heat exchanger!
When ecologically harmful flow media flow out, serious environmental
damage are possible.
Make sure that a possibility for draining the product and a catchment
tank for the entire filling capacity of the plate heat exchanger are
provided.
If the plate heat exchanger is further compressed below "a min.", the
plates warp. Make sure that the plate pack is compressed to the neces-
sary compression dimension "a min." < "a" < "a max.".
36
DANGER
Damage on the plate heat exchanger!
Fast switching operations (e.g. of valves in the pipes connected to the plate
heat exchanger) or process-related events (e.g. spontaneous vaporisation,
condensate impacts) can bring about high pressure surges.
Avoid high-pressure surges through the flow media in order to avoid
damaging the plate heat exchanger.
The retightening of the clamping parts of the plate heat exchanger may
only be carried out in the depressurised state, as otherwise the compres-
sion dimension "a min." might be underrun, see explanation of "a min."
in the chapter "Technical terms" (page 64).
9.1 Start-up
Before commissioning, carry out a visual check on the plate heat exchanger
and make sure that
the plate heat exchanger is not operated with impermissible flow media,
pressures and temperatures.
all pipe connections are firmly connected to the plate heat exchanger.
all required components of the plate heat exchanger are completely
installed.
the permissible compression dimension "a min." is not underrun, see
nameplate in the section "Identification" (page 17). The heat exchanger
plates might be permanently damaged.
when restarting, no residues of previous processes (e.g. cleaning agents)
are present in the plate heat exchanger.
the plate heat exchanger is bleeded.
37
pressure surges are avoided. The normal operation of the plate heat
exchanger may be jeopardised. Flow media could escape.
If all of these conditions are fulfilled, you can start operating the plate
heat exchanger.
NOTE
If faults occur during commissioning the plate heat exchanger, see chapter
"Troubleshooting" (page 61).
In order to avoid clogging problems during commissioning the plate heat

exchanger, GEA Ecoflex strongly recommends to use filters or bypasses for
the first flushing of the overall pipe system.
9.2 Operation
CAUTION
Danger of injury! Damage on the plate heat exchanger!
If the plate heat exchanger is in operation, during operations on the plate
heat exchanger there is risk of injury or the danger that the plate heat
exchanger might be damaged.
For maintenance or repair operations, always decommission the plate
heat exchanger first.
Visually inspect the plate heat exchanger regularly during operation and
make sure that:
the plate heat exchanger is not operated with impermissible flow media,
pressures and temperatures;
the minimum and maximum parameters given on the nameplate are not
exceeded. If the parameters are exceeded, the operating approval
dissolves and GEA Ecoflex accepts no liability for resulting damage.
pressure surges are avoided. The normal operation of the plate heat
exchanger could be jeopardised. Flow media could escape.
38
NOTE
If faults occur during operation of the plate heat exchanger, see chapter
"Troubleshooting" (page 61).
9.3 Decommissioning
CAUTION
Danger of injury!
All plate heat exchangers that are standing and not fixed present the risk of
toppling over. Always ensure that:
the plate heat exchanger only is transported in a suspended state, or
when it is lying on the base plate.
particularly the NT50M, NT50X, NT100X and VT10 plate heat
exchangers are only transported upright if they are fixedly screwed to
the transport equipment.
the plate heat exchanger always is secured against toppling, even if it
only is stored upright for a short time.
9.3.1 Short-term shutdown
DANGER
Escape of environmentally hazardous flow media possible!
Flow media can be dangerous and environmentally hazardous.
Make sure that no flow media can escape during the shutdown period.
In case of outdoor installation, take precautions (e.g. emptying, heating)
against freezing the flow media in the plate heat exchanger.
39
9.3.2 Long-term shutdown
DANGER
Premature component wear!
The components of the plate heat exchanger can prematurely wear due to
unfavourable ambient conditions or by flow media remaining within the
If the plate heat exchanger is decommissioned for a longer period, it has
to be decompressed and completely emptied.
Additionally we recommend a through cleaning and appropriate storage
until recommissioning.
NOTE
You can obtain detailed information about storage conditions from your
GEA Ecoflex service department (see back cover).
40
Maintenance and repair
10 Maintenance and repair
10.1 Preparatory precautions

Before operations are started, check the delivered frame type of the plate
heat exchanger on the basis of the documentation supplied.
CAUTION
Danger of injury!
During maintenance and repair work on the plate heat exchanger there is
risk of injury. For this reason, always adhere to the following points:
Always wear suitable protective clothing.
If a pressurised or filled plate heat exchanger is opened, the flow media
can escape uncontrollably. This is a danger of injury for the operator and
bystanders.
Before beginning maintenance or repair work, ensure that the plate heat
exchanger is empty and has reached room pressure.
When using hot or very cold flow media there is a danger of burning, or
respectively, freezing. Before beginning maintenance or repair work,
always ensure that the plate heat exchanger has reached room tempera-
ture.
Hazardous flow media (corrosive, poisonous, flammable, explosive etc.)
present an acute danger of injury for the operator and bystanders. Make
sure that the regulations for flow media are followed during all work.
Ensure that the pressure plate is secured against unintended slippage
(e.g. on ships).
The plates of the heat exchanger can fall out sideways and cause severe
injuries. When fitting the plates of the heat exchanger and closing the
plate heat exchanger, always ensure that the heat exchanger plates do
not unexpectedly loosen from the guiding bar and tip over. For this
reason, at least two persons must work on a plate heat exchanger with
CD frame. The reliable procedure for opening and closing a plate heat
exchanger is described in the sections "Opening the plate heat exchanger
and removing the plates" (page 46). or "Fitting the plates and closing
the plate heat exchanger" (page 51).
41
DANGER
Danger of falling over during stacking!
In the case of uncontrolled stacking, the heat exchanger plates can tumble.
This causes injuries and damaged heat exchanger plates. Never stack the
plates higher than:
60 heat exchanger plates for Varitherm/NT
30 cassettes for LWC
30 heat exchanger plates for free flow/Concitherm/Safetytherm
Before opening the plate heat exchanger you must carry out a few work
steps. If necessary, remove the connected pipes.

Clean the guiding rail
(for better plate mobility).
42
Clean the threads of the tightening bolts

(to remove the contamination and prevent a fretting of the nuts).
Apply a thin film of oil to the thread.
To ensure that the plates are reassembled in the right order, we advise
painting a diagonal line across the side of the plate pack.
43
Be sure to note the current "a" dimension.
NOTE
When removing the heat exchanger plates, document the order with the help
of the flow diagram.
The frames are provided with at least four clamping parts. For plate heat
exchangers with more than four clamping parts, as a rule four longer
clamping parts are used. These only pretension the heat exchanger plate
pack (so-called pretensioning bolts).
44
The HE plates are mounted in different ways in the frame, depending on the
frame design of the plate heat exchanger.
In CD frames the HE plates rest on the bottom guiding bar and are
guided by the top.
In the CD frame the plates are guided by a top and a bottom guiding
bar.
VT NT
In the B frames the heat exchanger plates are suspended at the top
carrying beam with a special rail. The plates are hooked into the recess of
the guiding rail and are guided by the bottom guiding bar.
Top carrying beam with a guiding rail and a guiding bar.
Top carrying beam without a guiding rail.
VT NT
45
10.2 Opening the plate heat exchanger and

removing the plates
NOTE
Before unfastening/opening the plate heat exchanger, observe the safety
instructions in the section "Preparatory precautions" (page 41).
10.2.1 Opening plate heat exchangers with a CD frame

CD frames need to be equipped with a locking element (e.g., a pipe clamp).
Ensure that the HE plates can always be set up as described as step 3 below.
Attach the locking element accordingly.
The following HE types do not require locking elements:

VT 04
VT 10
VT 20
The drawings below show a CDL frame (with a support column). The
handling described also applies to CDS frames (without a support column).
The CDS frames feature an extra retaining lock at the end of the upper
guiding bar. This retaining lock limits the path along which the pressure
plate can be moved.
46
1. Release the nuts of the tightening bolts on the pressure plate.

Release the tightening bolts evenly in small steps on alternate sides (1-2-
3-4) and diagonally (1-2 and 3-4), in order to prevent overloading indi-
vidual tightening bolts and tilting the pressure plate.
Proceed similarly in the case of frames with more than 4 tightening bolts.
1 32
4 22
2. Remove the nuts without removing the tightening bolts. Push the pres-
sure plate right up to the locking element.
47
3. Move the heat exchanger plates. The HE plates must afterwards safely
lean against the fixed plate.
4. Now remove the tightening bolts. To secure the unit, two tightening
bolts should be left in on either side of the frame.
5. Mark the position of the locking element. Then move the locking element
right up to the support column.
48
6. Move up the pressure plate to the support column. The second operator
ensures that the plate pack does not slip. You can now take out the heat
exchanger plates.
The procedure is the same for CD frames without a locking element (VT
04, VT 10, VT 20).
The plate heat exchanger is opened.
NOTE
The best position of the locking element depends on the size and number of
heat exchanger plates. Please contact your GEA Ecoflex service department
(see back cover) if you have any questions on this point.
10.2.2 Opening plate heat exchangers with a B frame

1. Release the nuts of the tightening bolts on the pressure plate.
Proceed as in item 1 in the section "Opening plate heat exchangers with a
CD frame" (page 46).
2. Remove the nuts.
49
3. Remove all tightening bolts.
The plate heat exchanger is opened.
10.2.3 Removing the heat exchanger plates

1. Move the pressure plate right up to the support column.
You now have access to the individual heat exchanger plates.
2. For removal, swing the heat exchanger plate out to the side and take it
out of the guiding rail of the carrying beam.
In the case of some Varitherm carrying beams, swinging is only possible
to one side.
The heat exchanger plates have been removed.
50
10.3 Fitting the plates and closing

the plate heat exchanger
NOTE
Before the installation and before closing the plate heat exchanger, observe
the safety instructions in the section "Preparatory precautions" (page 41).
DANGER
Damage to the heat exchanger plates!
If the compression dimension "a min" is underrun, this generally causes the
damage of the heat exchanger plates and, as the case may be, faulty opera-
tion of the plate heat exchanger.
Ensure that the plate pack is only compressed to the necessary dimen-
sion "a min." < "a" < "a max.".
NOTE
When all the heat exchanger plates are correctly installed, the outside of the
plate pack must show a continuous honeycomb pattern. You can also check
that the plates are in the right order by means of the diagonal line on the
outside of the plate pack, which you painted before opening the plate heat
exchanger.
51

1. Make sure that the gaskets and heat exchanger plates are free of foreign
matter or contamination.
If necessary, clean them with running water and a soft brush.
2. Check that the gaskets fit correctly in the grooves of the heat exchanger
plates.
3. Clean the sealing faces of the frame gaskets.
4. For a plate heat exchanger with a B frame: Clean the plate guiding of the
heat exchanger at the carrying beam and slightly lubricate them.
5. Clean the threads of the tightening bolts as well as the tightening nuts
and apply a thin layer of grease to these.
6. Mount all the HE plates into the plate heat exchanger frame in the
correct order according to the flow diagram.
52
In the case of a CD frame, the following actions are required:
Before installing the heat exchanger plates, screw in two tightening bolts
to serve as securing elements.
Every HE plate you put in should safely lean against the fixed plate.
Have another operator hold and secure the plate pack.
Push the pressure plate against the plate pack and put in the remaining
tightening bolts.
Attach the locking element at the correct position.
53
7. Determine the required compression dimension ("a" dimension).

The required compression dimension "a" is
in the case of a complete replacement of the gaskets: the "a max"
printed on the name plate.
provided that the heat exchanger plates are only cleaned and no
gaskets are replaced: the compression dimension written down before
opening the plate heat exchanger.
in case of a change in the number of heat exchanger plates: The new
"a max" dimension which can be gathered from the circuit diagram
and the changed plate to the nameplate supplied.
8. Tighten the clamping parts according to the procedure described in the

section "Opening the plate heat exchanger and removing the plates"
(page 46) alternately and diagonally to the required compression dimen-
sion "a".
9. Carry out a leak test before restarting the plate heat exchanger.
NOTE
The procedure in the case of leakages is described in the chapter "Trouble-
shooting" (page 61).
10.4 Cleaning the plate heat exchanger
10.4.1 Cleaning the plates

of the closed plate heat exchanger
Deposits on the heat exchanger plates
impair the heat transfer between the flow-through media,
increase the pressure loss,
can cause or accelerate HE plate corrosion.
54
The particular application determines

the necessity,
the type and
the frequency of a plate heat exchanger cleaning.
CIP process
CAUTION
Danger to persons and environment!
The use of aggressive cleaning agents presents poisoning, chemical burns,
and burning dangers. Make sure that:
before the CIP process, you have been instructed in the use and have a
good command of all work steps.
during work with aggressive cleaning agents you always wear suitable
protective clothing.
the cleaning agent you use is completely removed from the plate heat
exchanger after cleaning.
In the case of CIP ("Cleaning in Place"), a cleaning agent instead of the flow
media flows through the plate heat exchanger. Contaminants are removed
by the cleaning solutions dissolving capacity, supported by the mechanical
action of the turbulence.
DANGER
Damage of the plate heat exchanger!
The improper use of CIP can damage the plate heat exchanger.
Observe the notes for chemically cleaning the heat exchanger plates in
the section "Cleaning the plates of the opened plate heat exchanger"
(page 57).
55
Backflushing
This process is used if the flow media contain coarse particles of contamina-
tion and thus block the inlet channels. By briefly reversing the direction of
flow, the particles of contamination are removed from the plate heat
exchanger.
The direction of flow is reversed by using a suitable pipe configuration with

the appropriate valves. If there is a risk of the released particles of contami-
nation causing damage to the plate heat exchanger, preference should be
given to manual cleaning of the heat exchanger plates.
2F 1F
3F 4F
56
10.4.2 Cleaning the plates

of the opened plate heat exchanger
Cleaning the heat exchanger plates manually
DANGER
Leakage!
Hard cleaning tools (e.g. brushes with metal bristles) can damage the
metallic surfaces of the heat exchanger plates and the surfaces of the gaskets.
Damaged metal surfaces can lead to corrosion of the heat exchanger plates.
Damaged gasket surfaces can bring about leakages of the plate heat
exchanger when it is recommissioned.
Never use hard cleaning tools.
At every cleaning, ensure that no particles can settle on or under the
gaskets because this leads to leakages.
Ensure that the stream of the high-pressure jet always directs face-on at
the gaskets in order to avoid loosening them.

1. For severely pollutions, use a high pressure cleaner nozzle first to
remove the particles.
57
2. Wash each plate from both sides with flowing, warm water and a soft
brush.
The heat exchanger plates have been cleaned manually.
Cleaning the heat exchanger plates chemically
DANGER
Leakage!
Chemical cleaning processes can attack the gaskets materials and create
leaks.
Always use cleaning agents that do not attack the gaskets materials.
Choose a suitable temperature and do not let the cleaning agent take
effect on the materials for an unnecessarily long time.
Observe the following points:

Always follow the safety instructions and recommendations of the
cleaning agent manufacturer. Only use chloride-free or low-chloride
water with a low hardness value for the cleaning liquid.
Chlorides in the medium reduce the corrosion resistance of chrome-
nickel steels and chrome-nickel-molybdenum steels (including
Hastelloy, Incoloy and Inconel). The intensity of the effect of the chlo-
rides depends on the temperature, concentration and pH of the medium.
58
Stubborn contamination, such as coatings on the plate surface, which are

not released by the above-described processes, can be loosened by
soaking in an open chemical bath.
Choose a cleaning agent suitable for the type of contamination and for
the properties of the heat exchanger plates and sealing materials.
In any case, a confirmation by the manufacturer of the cleaning agent
should be available, stating that the agent does not affect the plate and
sealing materials used in the heat exchanger.
Clean the heat exchanger plates according to the work instructions of
the cleaning product manufacturer.
Before reassembling the cleaned heat exchanger plates, always rinse
them with sufficient clean water. Remove foreign matter on the gaskets
with a soft brush.
10.5 Replacing the gaskets

You can find the fixing type of the gasket in the technical documentation of
the plate heat exchanger. The gaskets can be either fixed with adhesive into
the gasket grooves or pressed into the grooves without adhesive.
We recommend that you always replace all gaskets at the same time. Use
only original GEA Ecoflex gaskets.
NOTE
You can obtain detailed information about replacing gaskets from your
59
10.6 Replacing the frame seals

The type of port ring between the heat exchanger plate pack and the frame
components depends on the frame type.
NOTE
You can obtain detailed information about replacing port rings from your
10.7 Maintaining the frame
DANGER
Loss of operating approval!
You must consult your GEA Ecoflex service department (see back cover)
before changing or replacing frame components.
Always use the original GEA Ecoflex parts, as otherwise the operation
permit for the plate heat exchanger expires.
Regularly carry out simple maintenance work, for example:

external cleaning,
greasing and
repairing damage to the paintwork at the frame of the plate heat
exchanger.
NOTE
You can obtain detailed information about maintenance of the frame from
your GEA Ecoflex service department (see back cover).
60
Troubleshooting
11 Troubleshooting
In the following you will find a few typical faults that can occur during oper-
ation of a plate heat exchanger.
NOTE
On principle, you should consult your responsible GEA Ecoflex service
department before eliminating faults (see last cover page), in order to
prevent inappropriately performed work on the plate heat exchanger and
possible consequences.
11.1 Output deficit

Fault Cause Remedy
Insufficient heat transfer Deposits on the heat Clean heat exchanger
exchanger plates plates
Flow paths, media etc. Have the design of the
changed from the design plate heat exchanger with
the new operating data
checked by GEA Ecoflex!
Too high-pressure loss Flow impeded by blockage Clean heat exchanger
of the flow channels of the plates
distributor
Flow impeded by incorrect Check the installation
mounting of the heat order by means of the flow
exchanger plates diagram
Flow paths, media etc. Have the design of the
changed from the design plate heat exchanger with
the new operating data
checked by GEA Ecoflex!
61
Troubleshooting
11.2 Leakages
Fault Cause Remedy
sealing fault between false compression dimen- check the correct compres-
the HE plates sion of the plate heat sion dimension by means
exchanger of the data on the name
plate
too high working pres- check the working pres-
sures sures by means of the data
on the name plate
too high/too low working check the working temper-
temperatures atures by means of the
data on the name plate
gaskets fitted incorrectly open the plate heat
exchanger and correct the
gaskets position
gaskets are dirty open the plate heat
exchanger and clean the
gaskets
Gaskets are defective or open the plate heat
hardened exchanger and replace the
gaskets
sealing fault between heat gaskets or port rings fitted open the plate heat
exchanger plates and incorrectly exchanger, correct the
frame, intermediate plates, position of the gaskets or
intermediate elements port rings
gaskets or port rings are open the plate heat
dirty exchanger, clean gaskets
or port rings
gaskets or port rings are open the plate heat
defective exchanger, replace gaskets
or port rings
62
Troubleshooting
Fault Cause Remedy

sealing fault between pipe too high loads at the pipe reduce connection loads to
connection and frame connection due to the pipe the admissible parameters
plate
seal ring fitted incorrectly loosen the pipe connec-
tion and correct the posi-
tion of the seal ring
seal ring is dirty loosen the pipe connec-
tion and clean the seal ring
seal ring is defective loosen the pipe joint and
replace the seal ring
flange connection is not check the seal ring and
sufficiently tightened connection and tighten
any loose bolts
damage to the heat over-tightened plate packs replace defective heat
exchanger plates (compression dimension exchanger plates
less than "a min")
corrosion of the HE plate check the design of the
material plate heat exchanger
concerning flow-through
media, consult
GEA Ecoflex
damage to the start or end incorrect earthing during replace defective heat
heat exchanger plate welding of special connec- exchanger plates
tions to the open
connecting pipes of the
frame
63
Technical terms
12 Technical terms
Term Meaning
B frame An especially stable frame design, which also allows
a high number of heat exchanger plates.
Backflushing A cleaning process in which the direction of flow is
regularly reversed Reversing the direction of flow
flushes the particles of contamination from the plate
heat exchanger.
Carrying beam The top component placed between the fixed plate and
support column upon which the heat exchanger plates
and the pressure plate are suspended.
Particularity: In CD frames the carrying beam guides
the heat exchanger plates.
CD frame A compact frame design of the plate heat exchanger
(compact design).. The number of heat exchanger
plates that can be stacked is lower in a CD frame than
in the corresponding B frame.
CIP process A cleaning process in which the flow channels of the
(Cleaning in Place) closed plate heat exchanger are flushed with specific
cleaning solutions.
Clamping part The frame component for compressing the heat
exchanger plate packs. It consists of tightening bolts,
tightening nuts and washers.
Collector channel The flow channel which is created by the total passage
openings of the heat exchanger plates.
Compression dimension Dimension referring to the depressurised (!) plate heat
"a" dimension exchanger. Tighten the heat exchanger plate pack
("a max."/"a min") placed between the frame plates to this dimension.
Going below the "a min" dimension can damage the HE
plate pack. The tightening units adjust the compression
dimension.
64
Technical terms
Term Meaning
Connection (pipe) The pipe connections intended for the fixed plate and,
if applicable, the pressure plate. The pipe connections
have different designs according to each application
(industrial design, rubber insert piece, metal liner,
flange connection etc.).
connection corner (pipe) Component of the intermediate element in the heat
exchanger plate pack. With this intermediate element,
multi-stage designs of a plate heat exchanger are real-
ised. The connection corners allow the connection of
additional pipes/media (especially for food applica-
tions).
Distributor channel See "Collector channel"
EcoLoc A fixing system without adhesive for gaskets of the NT
series.
Fixed plate The basic component of the plate heat exchanger frame.
The fixed plate is an unmovable frame plate. Normally,
the pipes are connected to this component.
Flow-through media The term for the media that are responsible for the heat
transfer in the plate heat exchanger.
Frame plates The fixed plate and the pressure plate of the plate heat
exchanger frame.
Gasket of the HE plates An elemental component for sealing the flow channels
from each other and between the heat exchanger plates
and the surroundings or leakage chamber. There are
gaskets that are fixed to the heat exchanger plates with
adhesive or without adhesive (LocIn, EcoLoc).
Guiding bar Component that guides the heat exchanger plates and
the pressure plate at the bottom.
Particularity: In CD frames the heat exchanger plates
rest on the bottom guiding bar.
Heat exchanger plate pack The collective term for all of the heat exchanger plates
located between the frame plates, including the
gaskets.
Heat exchanger plates An elemental component that keeps the flow media
separated from each other and transfers the heat.
65
Technical terms
Term Meaning
Intermediate element A component placed within the heat exchanger plate
pack. The intermediate element has pipe connections
along the sides for multi-stage plate heat exchanger
designs.
Intermediate plate A component placed within the heat exchanger plate
pack. The intermediate plate has no pipe connections
and is used for special multi-pass plate heat exchanger
designs.
LocIn A fixing system without adhesive for some elastomer
gaskets.
Metal liner A liner of the frame plates in the area of the pipe
connections. The material used depends on the applica-
tion (stainless steel, titanium, etc.).
Multi-pass A special design of the plate heat exchanger with
plate heat exchanger internal deflection of the flow-through media. The
construction of multi-pass plate heat exchanger always
demands pipe connections to the pressure plate.
Multi-stage A special design of the plate heat exchanger with more
plate heat exchanger than two flow media (use of intermediate elements).
With this plate heat exchanger design, complex heat
transfer tasks are combined in one plate heat exchanger
(heating and cooling, e. g. in the food stuff industry).
Nameplate A label attached to the fixed plate of the PHE frame for
identification with the basic data of the PHE (also
designed as adhesive label).
PHE The short form of the term Plate Heat Exchanger.
Pressure plate A movable frame plate suspended at the carrying beam
of the plate heat exchanger frame. his frame plate
compresses the heat exchanger plate pack.
The pressure plate can have pipe connections.
Rubber insert piece A liner of the frame plates (elastomer) in the area of the
pipe connections. It seals off the pipe connection and
the heat exchanger plate pack.
66
Technical terms
Term Meaning
Single-pass The standard design of a plate heat exchanger with two
plate heat exchanger flow-through media. Normally, the connections are
placed on the fixed plate.
Splash protector A safety device attached to the heat exchanger plate
pack. GEA Ecoflex generally recommends attaching a
splash protector when using hazardous media.
Support column A fixed component of a PHE frame to which the
carrying beam and the guiding bar are fixed.
Suspending Suspending the pressure plate at the carrying beam
(the pressure plate) (normally with a movable roller). The suspension
makes it possible to move the pressure plate on the
carrying beam.
67
Notes
Notes
68
Notes
Notes
69
Notes
Notes
70
GEA PHE Systems
Competence in Heat Transfer
With emphasis on the highest quality standards and constant innovations, GEA PHE Systems continues to expand its
market position: Within the GEA Process Equipment Division, GEA Ecoflex together with GEA Ecobraze, GEA WTT,
GEA PHE Systems NA, GEA ViEX and GEA EcoServe forms GEA PHE Systems, the Center of Competence and Service
Center for gasketed, fully welded and brazed plate heat exchangers of GEA Group:
HVAC sugar paper life science power

refrigeration chemical food marine renewable energy
Technical modification reserved PHE General Operation Manual E 10/06 03/08 freitag van geigk
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Brazil Denmark Great Britain Iran New Zealand Singapore Switzerland USA
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Contact details at:
www.gea-phe.com
The specifications contained in this printing unit are intended only to serve the non-
Your contact:
binding description of our products and services and are not subject to guarantee.
Binding specifications, especially pertaining to performance data and suitability for
specific operating purposes, are dependent upon the individual circumstances at the
operation location and can, therefore, only be made in terms of precise requests.
Process Equipment Division

GEA Ecoflex GmbH
Karl-Schiller-Strae 1-3, 31157 Sarstedt Germany
Phone: +49 5066 601-0, Fax: +49 5066 601-104
info@gea-ecoflex.com www.gea-ecoflex.com

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Plate Heat Exchangers

General Operation Manual

Process Equipment Division

Version: 1.3, 2006-09-08

2 Safety at the plate heat exchanger ........................................................... 6

3 Operating instructions .............................................................................. 10

4 Managers obligations ............................................................................... 12

5 Functional description ............................................................................... 14

6 Intended purpose ........................................................................................ 15

7 Overview and description ........................................................................ 16

8 Delivery, installation, transport, disposal .......................................... 25

8.3 Transport ................................................................................................. 31

9 Commissioning and decommissioning, operation ......................... 36

10 Maintenance and repair ............................................................................ 41

12 Technical terms ............................................................................................ 64

We especially devote ourselves to the subject of safety, so that all possible

Additional operating instructions for special applications supplement these

GEA Ecoflex GmbH

2 Safety at the plate heat exchanger

2.1 General safety

If the plate heat exchanger is employed improperly or not according to the

2.2 Incorrect operating conditions

2.3 Permitted operators

2.4 Residual dangers

The plate heat exchanger may topple over:

Opening the plate heat exchanger:

Transporting the plate heat exchanger:

Hazardous flow media:

3.1 Operating instructions

These operating instructions are generally applicable to all bolted/gasketted

3.1.1 User notes

Drawings and figures

Note for the operator of the plate heat exchanger

3.1.2 Safety notes in the text

The plate heat exchanger is built according to state-of-the-art technology and

no premature wear of specific parts of the plate heat exchanger results

Unfavourable ambient conditions, for instance for

all maintenance/inspections are carried out in regular intervals.

If a change in the specified operating conditions becomes necessary,

Intended use includes:

7 Overview and description

7.1 Basic structure

The frames made of structural steel are given a weather-protective coating.

In order to fulfil customer-specific requirements, different connection types

7.4 Heat exchanger plates

7.4.1 Chevron pattern

7.4.2 Free Flow design

7.4.3 Plate evaporator design

Liquids are concentrated by evaporation using these plates ("evaporator").

There are two basic groups of gaskets:

Never exceed the permissible parameters.

8 Delivery, installation, transport, disposal

The plate heat exchanger that is packed upright and to be transported

Carry out the following work steps:

Then attach the slings around the top tightening nuts.

5. Remove the slings and other aids.

6. Afterwards fix the plate heat exchanger firmly to the ground.

5 The plate heat exchanger is installed.

8.3.1 Suspended transport with sling fastening at the

Carry out the following work steps:

3. Slowly lift the plate heat exchanger.

5 The plate heat exchanger now can be transported.

8.3.2 Suspended transport on ring bolts

Carry out the following work steps: